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February 2012
Putting lawyers in touch with the youth of Oldham
Pearson Hinchliffe partner, Michael Pitt, takes over as 2012 Oldham Law Association President.
MoreEnergy Performance Certificates Made Law Today
1st October 2008
With effect from October 1st 2008, Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) must be made available on all commercial properties to be marketed for sale or rent. Responsibility lies with owners, landlords, property developers or property managers - in short, the supplier of the property.
Despite a large-scale publicity campaign by the government leading up to their implementation, there is still some confusion regarding both EPCs and DECs (Display Energy Certificates), (DECs are from October 1st 2008 compulsory in buildings over 1,000sqm, where the building is occupied in whole or part by public authorities in institutions providing public services to a large number of people who frequently visit the building).
Solicitors representing purchasers or tenants will also be obliged by law to require sight of an EPC for the relevant property before they can commit their clients to any purchase or l ease.
There are exceptions to the general rule and these include lease renewals, lease restructuring and buildings with an area of less than 50m2. Local authorities have the power to impose fines of up to £5,000 where an EPC is required and not provided.
Similar to the energy grades provided with kitchen appliances, the A to G grading system identifies the energy performance of a building.
Where to begin?
According to the government’s own figures, there are just 40 commercially trained energy performance assessors for the whole of the UK.
Pearson Hinchliffe Commercial Law have contacted existing commercial clients nationally, to ensure they are aware of their responsibilities and to offer the services of an experienced energy performance assessor. UK Businesses that are new to the firm are also being encouraged to contact the Commercial Property team on 0161 785 3500, if they have any questions or would like further information or advice on complying with the new regulations governing the energy performance of buildings.
Contact Us
If you have any queries or questions about EPCs, DECs or any other property-related issue, please do not hesitate to contact Michael Pitt within our commercial property team on 0161 785 3500 or email: michael.pitt@pearson-hinchliffe.co.uk.
January 2012
Company and commercial law reforms to reduce red tape
Companies of all shapes and sizes have been asked for their views on how to tackle unnecessary bureaucracy in company and commercial law.
MoreJanuary 2012
Increase in unfair dismissal qualifying period will apply only to new employees
From 6 April 2012 the qualifying period of service for making a claim increases from one to two years.
MoreJanuary 2012
Maximum compensation for unfair dismissal increases from 1 February 2012
Annual revision of employment tribunal award limits and other amounts payable under employment legislation.
MoreDecember 2011
Health and safety laws to be cut by half
Government plans to slash health and safety red tape will mean substantial savings for small firms, business groups have said.
MoreNovember 2011
Weight Watchers case: the importance to employers of employment status.
The Upper Tier Tribunal holds 1,700 ‘leaders’ at Weight Watchers were employees for tax purposes.
MoreSeptember 2011
How to Conduct a Disciplinary Hearing
A recent presentation by Employment solicitor, Susan Mayall, setting out the stages for handling a disciplinary, referencing the ACAS Code of Conduct.
June 2011
ACAS Advice leaflet “Holidays and Holiday Pay”
Download the guidance covering arrangements for holidays and holiday pay.
October 2010
Recent Case Study: Commercial Landlord and Tenant - An Authorised Guarantee Agreement
Authorised Guarantee Agreements keep the original tenant on the hook in case a third party assignee defaults; they should be drafted with care.
July 2010
Recent Case Study: Doing Battle in the Boardroom
How Pearson Hinchliffe Commercial Law helped members of the Board of Directors achieve the outcome they sought in their boardroom dispute with a senior executive director.
May 2010
How the Mergers & Acquisitions team helped Lanes Group PLC achieve their LAS sell-off
Drainage specialists dispose £12.3 million majority stake in Lanes Assistance Services.
March 2010
PH Employment Direct
The Employment team at Pearson Hinchliffe Commercial Law have created PH Employment Direct - a user-friendly and simple service that gives you access to the best advice at the end of a phone 24hrs a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
February 2010
Oldham Construction Sector
On 3 February 2010 Corporate Commercial partner Roger Hinchliffe delivered a presentation entitled, ‘Joint Ventures’ to the Oldham Construction Sector group.
January 2010
Debt Recovery Service
With our specialist commercial Debt Recovery service you can significantly increase the speed and likelihood of recovering the money owed to your business.